[So Jong-seop's Political Analysis] President Yoon Seok-yeol, the Political Unification is a Historical Mission

Resolving Polarization and Establishing a Vision for Developed Countries Are Also Responsibilities
Hoping Not to Lose the Original Intent While Reviewing the Inaugural Address

On the 10th, citizens are watching the live broadcast of President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration ceremony in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy, So Jong-seop, Political and Social Editor] The era of the 'Yongsan President' has begun. The 'Blue House' has disappeared into the annals of history. The 'Yongsan era' is not merely a physical relocation of the presidential office from the Blue House to Yongsan. It represents a monumental shift in the axis of power. Since liberation, in presidential systems, the presidential office has been the core of power. Now, the beginning is here. Many changes befitting the 'Yongsan era' are expected.

President Yoon Seok-yeol carries the epochal role bestowed by this new space. Broadly speaking, the presidential office, located in a wide open area, sits at a strategic point connecting Gangbuk and Gangnam. It is also not far from Namsan Peak, the official center of Seoul. The presidential office occupies a spatial position that connects the center to the periphery. The president’s role should correspond accordingly: openness, that is, communication.

Communication is linked to cooperation. The parliamentary landscape is overwhelmingly unfavorable. The Democratic Party of Korea holds 168 seats, an overwhelming majority exceeding half of the National Assembly. It is a reality that a head-to-head confrontation cannot be overcome. Dialogue is necessary. One must give to receive. Sophisticated conversational skills and precision in wielding power are required. To this end, it is necessary to visualize various forms of cooperation. Crossing fences boldly to appoint talented individuals will broaden the governance base.

Communication and cooperation lead to integration. Past presidents often declared, "I will only look to the people." But one must look to the National Assembly, not just the people. One must acknowledge reality and seek solutions. Politics that only look to the people tend to lead to conflict politics. It is likely to become a declaration of only supporting one’s own side. To change the extreme political behavior of polarization and fandom, politics of integration must be pursued. This is concretized through communication and cooperation. The 'Yongsan era,' the core of change, can be an opportunity.

Polarization has deepened through the COVID-19 situation. The gap between large corporations and small and medium enterprises has also widened. How to create a society where we live together harmoniously is another important task President Yoon faces. South Korea, having advanced to a developed country, is expected to reach a per capita GDP of $36,000 this year. It is no longer a follower. We have become a leader. A vision fitting this position must be established. This too is President Yoon’s historic mission. I hope he becomes a president who keeps his initial resolve by sticking his inaugural address on his desk and frequently reviewing it.

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